Ohio Go Zaimas!
Ministry here in Japan has been great so far, and I am excited to tell you about everything that happened today!
Time really does fly! Today was the Okada family’s last day in Japan for a while. Eleven days of ministry have already passed for the Japan 1 Team; twelve years of ministry have already passed for the Okada family! Who can deny James’ statement that we are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away? With that in mind I remind myself and encourage anyone that is reading this to neglect the quickly fading things of the world and cling to God’s love and His commandments! Our life, our possessions, even our achievements, though at times seem to bring lasting joy, only provide an illusion. Only God lasts. Cling to Him!
We had the privilege to hang out with the Okada family today and enjoy their unique and wacky presence.
We haven’t had much time to hang out with them because they have been busy packing and preparing to move to America, so this was a very refreshing and enjoyable time. We went with Okada-Sensei to run a few errands, and talked and goofed around with the kids. Sadly, Marsha was unable to make it, but the time was enjoyable nonetheless. We had sushi for lunch today, and OS showed his inner “troll” by tricking us into performing fake Japanese sushi rituals. There isn’t much else to say about our hangout. However, do not be disappointed! I know the true desire of your heart: pictures.
Ministry here in Japan has been great so far, and I am excited to tell you about everything that happened today!
Time really does fly! Today was the Okada family’s last day in Japan for a while. Eleven days of ministry have already passed for the Japan 1 Team; twelve years of ministry have already passed for the Okada family! Who can deny James’ statement that we are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away? With that in mind I remind myself and encourage anyone that is reading this to neglect the quickly fading things of the world and cling to God’s love and His commandments! Our life, our possessions, even our achievements, though at times seem to bring lasting joy, only provide an illusion. Only God lasts. Cling to Him!
We had the privilege to hang out with the Okada family today and enjoy their unique and wacky presence.
We haven’t had much time to hang out with them because they have been busy packing and preparing to move to America, so this was a very refreshing and enjoyable time. We went with Okada-Sensei to run a few errands, and talked and goofed around with the kids. Sadly, Marsha was unable to make it, but the time was enjoyable nonetheless. We had sushi for lunch today, and OS showed his inner “troll” by tricking us into performing fake Japanese sushi rituals. There isn’t much else to say about our hangout. However, do not be disappointed! I know the true desire of your heart: pictures.
Please be praying for the Okada family during their transition to America! They will be at Grace Community Church so often, so you might even have the chance to meet and talk to them! Also, please pray for the church, as they continue to grow without the Okadas. In the end, God is sovereign, and His will is much better than ours.
The latter half of our Monday, from a human perspective, started with much disappointment. The original plan for the afternoon was to visit Osaka University, and meet with the students there for one last time. However, for various reasons, none of the students could make it out to talk with us. Towards the end of lunch, we received a call and heard the unfortunate news. Our plans for the afternoon were scrapped, and we had nothing to do for the rest of the day.
Since we had nothing to do, and we were already in the city, we decided to wander around a shopping mall for a little bit. It was in the middle of a bathroom break that we met a new friend: Phuc Le, a soon-to-be fourth year Neuroscience student at UC Davis. He initially heard us speaking English, and began talking to us. We found out that he was in Japan for an internship, but had a couple of days before his internship started. Since he didn’t have many plans either, we invited him to join us in wandering Japan.
The latter half of our Monday, from a human perspective, started with much disappointment. The original plan for the afternoon was to visit Osaka University, and meet with the students there for one last time. However, for various reasons, none of the students could make it out to talk with us. Towards the end of lunch, we received a call and heard the unfortunate news. Our plans for the afternoon were scrapped, and we had nothing to do for the rest of the day.
Since we had nothing to do, and we were already in the city, we decided to wander around a shopping mall for a little bit. It was in the middle of a bathroom break that we met a new friend: Phuc Le, a soon-to-be fourth year Neuroscience student at UC Davis. He initially heard us speaking English, and began talking to us. We found out that he was in Japan for an internship, but had a couple of days before his internship started. Since he didn’t have many plans either, we invited him to join us in wandering Japan.
The rest of the day we searched to satisfy our ever-present craving for ice-cream (don’t worry, our craving for Christ is still much greater), wandered in search of a Japanese bible to give to the students, rode a ferris wheel, and ate dinner.
Though the day was not too eventful, we were blessed to have spent time with Phuc. He is a very friendly and open person, and we were able to learn about his life, and tell him about ours. We explained our purpose in traveling to Japan, and by the end of the day were able to share the gospel with Phuc.
I wish I could tell you that Phuc instantly accepted the gospel. I wish I could give you a nice fairytale ending to our day. However, it is my joy to tell you that our hope is not in the stressfulness of our day. Our hope is not in our feelings, or our achievements, or ice-cream. Our hope is not even in how effectively we shared the gospel. Though Phuc left, and we were unable to talk to any students today, that is OK. Our hope is in the goodness and faithfulness of God, that His saving work is complete and that He will sovereignly draw His chosen to Him. It does not feel like we accomplished much today but we still have reason for joy! We know that God is good, and that the plans of heart are perfect!
There is still disappointment, however. We wish we could have talked to the Osaka University students again. We had build friendships with many of the students there, and relished a final opportunity to see them and really emphasize the gospel with them. However, God saw it fit to change our plans. And so we rejoice, because although our plans were usurped, God’s will was done here on Earth. Our only desire is that our will is conformed to His!
We need much prayer. Please remember to pray for us!
Prayer Requests:
-Michael
Though the day was not too eventful, we were blessed to have spent time with Phuc. He is a very friendly and open person, and we were able to learn about his life, and tell him about ours. We explained our purpose in traveling to Japan, and by the end of the day were able to share the gospel with Phuc.
I wish I could tell you that Phuc instantly accepted the gospel. I wish I could give you a nice fairytale ending to our day. However, it is my joy to tell you that our hope is not in the stressfulness of our day. Our hope is not in our feelings, or our achievements, or ice-cream. Our hope is not even in how effectively we shared the gospel. Though Phuc left, and we were unable to talk to any students today, that is OK. Our hope is in the goodness and faithfulness of God, that His saving work is complete and that He will sovereignly draw His chosen to Him. It does not feel like we accomplished much today but we still have reason for joy! We know that God is good, and that the plans of heart are perfect!
There is still disappointment, however. We wish we could have talked to the Osaka University students again. We had build friendships with many of the students there, and relished a final opportunity to see them and really emphasize the gospel with them. However, God saw it fit to change our plans. And so we rejoice, because although our plans were usurped, God’s will was done here on Earth. Our only desire is that our will is conformed to His!
We need much prayer. Please remember to pray for us!
Prayer Requests:
- Please continue to pray for Mr. Omi, a church member that has recently undergone surgery. Pray that it is the will of God that he has a speedy recovery and can return to further serve and encourage the church
- Please pray for the church, that it may continue to grow and that the body may continue to be fed and well nourished in Christ
- Please pray for the students we interact with. Pray that God does a work in their hearts so that they have ears to hear the gospel.
- Pray that the team continues to serve each other selflessly, and that we are effective in gaining the student’s trust and in sharing the gospel with them. Also pray that we are even more gospel centered, and that we find contentment not in our work but in the work of Christ
- Please pray that Phuc remembers and continues to hear the gospel
- Please pray for the students that we were not able to meet with today. Pray that they remember the gospel and that they are willing to come to church next Sunday so that we can meet with them one last time.
-Michael